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There is something about traversing an obstacle 60 feet above the ground that focuses the mind.Ìý When you are in-charge of another human being’s safety and learning at that height your focus becomes laser-like.

Recently, I spent three weeks working alongside cadets and staff at the United States Air Force Academy’s Outdoor Leadership Complex facilitating a high-ropes course for upwards of 350 cadets. Reflecting on this intense leadership experience highlighted 5 leadership lessons I brought back with me to Boulder.

Relationships Matter

Our staff included active duty and retired service members from several military branches. I had the opportunity to shadow and receive mentoring from each of the team members. At CU Boulder, every day is an opportunity to meet others of diverse backgrounds and experiences. As a student we expect to learn from our professors, but we also have the opportunity to learn from other students and members of the Boulder community through our daily interactions.

Take Time to Connect

My roommate was a USAFA senior, and throughout our time together, we were able to connect about our work, school life, and spend time off base. Creating this bond was unforgettable. The connections you make as a student may be friendships that last a lifetime. Roommates, classmates, clubs, and off campus activities are all opportunities to connect. You must be willing to step out of your comfort zone into these opportunities to create lasting relationships.

Learn to Adapt

Every day I had a new group of cadets. I never knew the groups’ dynamic or experience working with each other, so I had to be able to quickly adapt my facilitation based on how they responded. The experience of adapting to different groups of cadets is like navigating through diverse group projects. Within different classes and assignments, you'll encounter various team dynamics. Learning to adapt your collaboration and communication style to suit each situation will be valuable in both your academic and future career pursuits.

Open Yourself to New Skills

As part of our initial training, I learned how to set up each element of the course, which involved tying different styles of knots as well as setting up harnesses for belaying.Ìý These were critical skills in keeping high-ropes participants safe. Similarly, acquiring new skills in college through challenging experiences offers you the opportunity to gain knowledge and expertise in various subjects, often expanding your skill set. These experiences foster your growth and improve your versatility.

Seek New Perspectives

Learning and practicing the Academy’s techniques for conducting leadership exercises was vastly different from my ROTC experience. For example, USAFA places a large emphasis on mission success. The facilitators connect these scenarios to real life situations where mission success is critical and necessary. In ROTC, our exercises are less focused on mission success and more centered on what teamwork/leadership techniques we used with our team. College is a time to be open to differing perspectives. There is importance of following typical routines of success like studying and prioritizing academics, but we should also take time to enjoy this phase of life. Step out of your dorm room, visit campus and local areas, or go to the Rec Center, but especially enjoy the opportunity to attend CU football games and other athletic events.

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Olivia Marcial is a junior in the AFROTC program where she currently serves as a flight commander. The Center for Leadership whose mission is to invest in the leadership potential of all students and develop ethical, impactful leaders sponsored her summer experiential leadership education in partnership with USAFA’s Center for Character and Leadership Development.